PHP9-B infra projects in Region 8 need modification - DPWH

PALO, Leyte, April 24 (PNA) -- At least 192 projects worth PHP9 billion will have to be modified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a process hindering the timely implementation of projects.

DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said on Monday that some project proposals for this year had not included specifications before the approval of the 2017 General Appropriations Act.

“We have the most projects in the Visayas regions that need modification or change of details. If we will not modify it, project implementation will be disallowed by the Commission on Audit,” Tabacon said.

The 192 projects account 23 percent of the 834 infrastructure projects intended for Eastern Visayas. The cost is 39 percent of the PHP23 billion allocations for the region this year.

The deadline for project modification is on June 2017. The process entails an augmentation of an item of appropriation. It is a basic requirement before project bidding.

“For sure, many of these 192 projects will be delayed especially those with huge budget,” Tabacon added. 

About half of the budget for the region will be managed by the department’s 13 district engineering offices in six provinces – Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte. A big chunk of the 2017 outlay will be supervised by the regional office.

Among the major projects that will be funded this year are the on-going 6.4 kilometer four-lane Tacloban bypass road and the 1.84 km. four- lane Palo West bypass road.

The department proposed extending these by-pass roads up to the junction of San Juanico Bridge to complement the proposed international seaport to be constructed in nearby Babatngon, Leyte. 

The department also proposed the extension of by-pass roads that would link to this major project. 

The official also confirmed that there is on-going feasibility study for the construction of alternative road in Sogod, Southern, Leyte; Basey-Maydolong road in Samar, and Jaro-Ormoc road in Leyte.

Also listed as 2017 priority is the Leyte tide embankment project, designed to shield Yolanda-hit communities from destructive waves. The project has an allocation of PHP700 million for this year alone.

Other priority projects this year are road widening, bridge reconstruction, flood control structures, and preventive maintenance. (PNA)

Sarwell Q. Meniano